Haken no Hinkaku

Japanese title: ハケンの品格
Number of episodes: 10

Some info:
1) D-Addicts Wiki
2) Official Site (Japanese)

Honestly this drama didn’t really catch my attention during its time of airing, and it’s only after quite a while after it finished its run that I’ve come across some nice reviews/comments on this drama and decided to check it out a little. Turns out to be a satisfying one. =)

Well, if you’re lazy to read the Wiki article, the english equivalent of the title would be Haken’s Dignity. Haken is a temporary employee (managed by a Haken agency) hired just to fill up a certain position for a span of 3 months, and might be able to continue working there if the company decides to want to extend their contract. Kinda like those part time jobs that many Singaporeans look for after their Os/As, since they’re paid by the hour instead of monthly, and of course bound by a certain period of time under a contract. But of course, the impression I get is that the Japanese system allows for longer period of time for each temp. job, so I guess it’s still different from the part time jobs here la.

Anyway, this series shows the kind of “discrimination” that is expected of temps vs full-timers and the various factors why they often clash with each other so much. But it’s more interesting for the company set for the show, with the super-ace Haken (the lady in the middle of the picture) Oomae Haruko being hired as a temp for 3 months. She ain’t the usual temp, having loads and loads of certification (god knows if it’s even possible to complete all those courses in a number of years…), so much so that she has to omit some from her resume, heh. But that’s not the main point, her “uber cold” personality, being super straight with her words (even to the full-timers), always going without a smile and is super rigid with her starting/break/knock-off hours, yet is super efficient with her work, with a productivity easily that of 4 or more people in the company. While there’s much hatred for the way she behaves and speaks, her skills are something they cannot deny, and often helps to “save the day” in some way.

The fun mostly comes from the “squabbles” between her and the full-timers, though mainly is against this guy. Jokes including playing on her name (well, you know…), and many other puns which are indeed very funny. Good job on the scriptwriter’s part to think of such things (or maybe it’s nothing too unusual…).

While each episode seems to be somewhat of a standalone, there are subtle links which I think aren’t as unimportant as they might seem on first look. Kinda helps a lot in understanding the characters and their development throughout the entire series. But well, there are still mysteries left unanswered, and probably will never be answered anyway. Haha.

Overall, this drama is pretty nice, though at some parts it’s quite exaggerated. Provides enough enjoyment and laughter to keep on watching. Hehe. A show worthy of its high ratings indeed. =D